a good day done.

Today was a very good day. I was inspired and humbled all together. I think so many times as artists or - accountants or c.e.os or mom's or sons or daughters or mechanics or you name it...we find ourselves striving to feel successful- -before we know it years have passed and we are still searching for that thresh hold of claimed accomplishment. today, in a humbled moment i felt a great sense of success-- not because of my actions or what all i did right or meeting some great goal for the year and executing perfectly...but simply because I love what i do. i have passion in being a painter.

no news is sometimes really good news...

Well yet again, I am clearly not a super-serious blogger. Im really trying to change this predicament... and I can see me being somewhat successful at it this time.

As in the words of my sweet Momma, "no news is good news". And I have to admit this definitley applies to my lack of blogging ability. I am so busy and have been working with some really wonderful new pieces. The Hilton Head showing this past May was a great success. I released a series of 10 large works called "On Land and Water". Of course you can review the series on the website.

Currently... 2 new series are being hammered out--- showing in Birmingham, AL at the end of September. Interestingly, enough its my first home bound solo show. Im looking forward to it.

Well I have yet again moved studios from a busy warehouse on the weststide of the city to a quaint old abandoned church building-- in a little urban pocket beside downtown. Well its not totally abandoned because clearly I am there=)...along with a few other interesting people. It's a really beautiful building built in the 20's. It's perfect for now.

Well alot is going on outside the studio as well...

the coastal Living Showhouse opened last week... and i'm looking forward to the publication release.

My Husband's novel is shelf bound and he and the editors have finalized some of the last details. The first book signing and opening party will be in Atlanta. I'll most certainly blog the event details and give the exact location as soon as the printing process is completed.

As a painter it has been so interesting to watch his process with the publishers and designers and such. So enlightening and encouraging for some one covered in paint 60% of the time to watch someone be really thrive in their passion.

Rufus is doing really well- he is fully mended with an almost perfect heart. We were able to adopt a new dog named Oliver and he is adapting to studio life pretty well. Of course no one is a better sleeper than Rufus ...of course=)

warm and happy thoughts to you all=) sorry if some of my blogging seemed repetitive --- it's been so long since an update=)

an artist recognition long over due...

Art...so many people so many forms.  I always like to plug someone that I feel could be on the verge of some new thought or creative venture that people really need to know about.  So today it was only fitting to write about my new friend... artist- Eric Underwood.  

Some few weeks ago I found myself having the opportunity to stroll through Eric's Home studio...needless to say I found him with such a sincere passion for creating and recreating some really precious images... when I finally did leave I can promise I was inspired-

"Original, personal pieces of art created through a mixed media process. Eric takes the first most memorable photo of a couples' child and creates and original piece of art base on the desires of his commissioning patron. " 

Truly Eric and his gifting impressed me.  If you are a Mother...grandmother....father...aunt or uncle, or even just curious about this new up-and-coming artist please contact Eric at the email link attached.  You really don't want to miss Eric and his truly innovative works.

Also, if some of my coastal friends are reading... such as the Harris family... Eric and his work would make a wonderful story for any of your publications!

email Eric Underwood@:  tlrivard@yahoo.com

Or feel free to contact me and I'll get in touch with Eric!

technically challenged...

Well I owe a few good friends some apologies...I, being technically challenged, realized today some of the wonderful commentary I've recieved from you all after viewing my blog. How kind are the people in my life...my freinds have always felt like family.
Well im painting today (as usual) and to fight my fatigue i decided to blog. Rufus and I have been working away today and seem to be making some headway...we have commissions all over the place--South Carolina, Santa Rosa Beach, Nashville...and the list continues. Have I mentioned lately how incredibley thankful I am to have work and to be working? what a great thing...being busy at work in a recessing economy...

Rufus is doing so much better. He is litterally acting like he has a new heart=) I believe he just might.
I've also started back to a classical ballet class at the local city ballet. As a painter, many days I find myself captivated by the suttle piano music from old ballet class...I paint and think about dancing while the music blares from my borrowed record player. It's a secret about myself... so shhh don't tell.

oh and i almost forgot...We are moving into a new studio space- in an old warehouse in the city- It should be exciting. I'll keep you all posted.

oh and one more thing...If you didn't already know I have a wonderful husband who is quite talented himself. Which brings me to introducing his first fiction novel due to hit the shelves at your local bookstore this coming fall- again I'll keep you posted.

hello, it's been a while.

Well, we are all back and better than ever in 2009. Rufus is making improvements with his mended heart... as you can see he is still good at what he does best.

It was a wonderful 2008. If you are in the Atlanta area the new series of 11 on wood intitled, "Monuments and Movements" has been released at Bennett Street Gallery. The exhibition closed on the 31st of December, but the works will remain showing at the gallery.

Also, paintings are still showing in the Newyork Area as well, so please contact the Jerry Pair Showroom if you wish to view or purchase. Other areas of showing still include the Panhandle of Florida in Rosemary Beach at Tracery Interiors, and Louisville, Kentucky with the Ground Floor Gallery. We are opening 2009 with new showings in Hilton Head, SC... details to come soon.

in and out of the studio...

Alright well, it looks as though I have not updated anyone in a while on whats happening in and around the studio. New Works our now available in the metro New York area at the Jerry Pair Showroom located right on 3rd Avenue. Also, more info is coming soon for the next New York opening dates for a post New Year/ Late Winter Series to be released... possibly even early spring. It looks like I should be present at that opening as well.

The next upcoming group exhibition is in Atlanta, Ga at Bennett Street Gallery. Feel free to check out the link below for more details...

http://www.bennettstgallery.com/index.html

now about whats going on in the studio...
Work is coming along. The new series is becoming such an act of preservation... can't wait to release the 12 new works at Bennett Street Gallery.
October has been quite an interesting month... Rufus has been very sick and it has been such an emotional time for me. He is doing better now, but we still have a long road to go. The studio is not quite the same with out him around. But things are hopeful---and he's still showing up for work everyday to lay around and watch things out the window=)
I'll write more later about some of my work that has really centered itself around his healing and the healing of so many others in and around my life. He's a very good dog and I expect many more creative years with him in the studio.
Well, it's now back to work for me.

open windows.

Well, I am back in the studio. It truly does feel like my short break lasted for quite some time. It is hard to stop painting... even for creative rejuvenation. Speaking of refreshment...the air in the studio is crisp for the first time in months, and it feels wonderful. All eight of the old gym windows are open, and my hours are quickly filled with the momentum of a new season of painting.

Rufus has been back to work in the studio as well...he loves laying on the cool cement. I've attached some photos of my little/large companion doing what he does best.

It's a new day.

& I am thankful for all the open windows.